Cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation containing an active complex comprised of plant extracts. The active complex contains at least one starting substance, which is extracted as an aqueous extract from real truffles (Tuberaceae) and which is provided in a cosmetically acceptable gel while being stabilized. A preferred active complex is one that additionally contains a champagne product. Cosmetic preparations containing this active complex lead to an improved stimulation of the immune system, an improved regenerative effect and thus to an improved balance in the ecosystem of the skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation containing an active complex comprised of plant extracts.

[0002] A large number of cosmetic products have already been described which comprise plants or parts of plants that are integrated into the aforesaid products directly or in the form of extracts. These plants include e.g. algae, various herbs known as medicinal plants, cereals, extracts from tea, coffee and fruit, bark extracts and yeast extracts, etc. The plants are used with the aim of utilizing their active agents for cosmetic purposes, particularly with the aim of enabling the aforesaid agents to become effective in the upper layers of the skin. Hardly any fungal extracts other than the aforesaid yeast extracts have been used for this purpose to date, mainly because nearly no substances having an effect on the skin have become known in this area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The object of the invention is to make further plant-based active agents available for cosmetic purposes, in particular to combine different active agents stemming from different plants into new active complexes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the invention, a cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts is provided, which preparation contains an active complex comprised of at least one starting substance extracted as an aqueous extract from common truffles (Tuberaceae) and is provided in a cosmetically acceptable gel while being stabilized.

[0005] Common truffles include e.g. Burgundy truffles (Tuber uncinatum), Perigord truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.), Kalahari truffles (Terfezia pfeilii Hennings), Piedmont truffles (Tuber magnatum Pico Vitt.), lion's truffles (Terfezia leonis Tul.), summer truffles (Tuber aestivum), winter truffles (Tuber brumale Vitt.) and white truffles (Choiromyces maeandriformis). Particularly preferred are truffle species are Tuber uncinatum, Tuber melanosporum Vitt., Tuber magnatum Pico Vitt., Tuber aestivum, Choiromyces maeandri-formis, Tuber brumale Vitt. and mixtures thereof, particularly Tuber melanosporum Vitt.

[0006] Common truffles, which belong to the class of ascomycetes, order of Tuberales, have been appreciated as excellent edible fungi for many centuries and are of outstanding importance due to their special aroma. Truffles are underground fungi growing in symbiosis with oak tree roots and forming tuber-like fruiting bodies.

[0007] In the extraction process from truffles, several active agents are set free. It has been found that a non-specific stimulation of the immune system can be achieved and the body's antiviral defence mechanisms improved thanks to the aqueous truffle extracts' contents of essential amino acids, vitamins B1, B2 and B3, polysaccharides such as letinan and eritadenin, and the stabilization of the aforesaid active agents in a cosmetic product. With regard to the skin, this brings about an excellent regenerative effect and in addition an effect against hair loss.

[0008] A special active complex is prepared by incorporating champagne products, e.g. a champagne whose liquid components have been removed, e.g. by means of spray-drying. Based on the special bottle fermentation of French wines from Champagne, a sparkling wine is obtained which has a high content of polysaccharides, in addition to flavonoids, pro-cyanidolic oligomers (P.C.O.) and tannins. The incorporation of the aforesaid champagne product into the active complex containing truffle extract leads to a clearly improved balance in the ecosystem of the skin, thus strengthening the skin's natural protective barrier and stimulating the activity of the mediators present, i.e. leucotrienes, prostaglandins, interleukins and other cytokinins, particularly in situations which stress the skin.

[0009] In addition, the active complex has a toning and an energizing effect as well as a stabilizing and a softening effect and at the same time counteracts irritations.

[0010] The active complex is provided in a gel while being stabilized. The stabilization can be achieved e.g. by means of a phospholipid in which the pulverized basic components of the active complex, i.e. Tuberaceae extract and, if desired, champagne product, are dispersed and which is then distributed in a gel in a homogeneous manner. Due to the aforesaid homogeneous distribution in a gel, a form of the active complex is obtained which on the one hand is a stable, liquid form of the active agents and an excellent basis for further processing into various cosmetic products on the other.

[0011] Phospholipids which can be used include e.g. Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidylinositol, Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidic Acid and lysolecithins as well as mixtures thereof. Known products are e.g. Phoslipon® or NAT®.

[0012] The active complex can be contained in the cosmetic preparation in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 25% by weight, the amounts of Tuberaceae extract and, if desired, champagne product jointly making up 1 to 15% by weight of the active complex.

[0013] There are no restrictions as regards the ratio in which Tuberaceae extract and the champagne product are contained in the active complex. It is preferred that the ratio be in the range from 25:75 to 75:25 relative to the agents' dry mass.

[0014] Gel-forming agents which can be used as gels include e.g. Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, alginates and tylosen, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, certain polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, montmorillonite. Particularly preferred substances are Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof.

[0015] The preparation according to the invention further contains cosmetic auxiliaries and carrier substances as they are commonly used in such preparations, e.g. water, preservatives, vitamins, colourants, pigments having a colouring effect, scavengers, thickeners, emollients, moisturizing substances, fragrances, alcohols, polyols, esters, shellac, electrolytes, polar and non-polar oils, polymers, copolymers, emulsifiers, waxes, stabilizers.

[0016] Further additives or active agents contained in the cosmetic compositions can be vitamins such as Vitamin A or derivatives thereof, coloured plant extracts, â-carotene, organic water-soluble or oil-soluble sunscreens such as e.g. Octyl Methoxycinnamate; inorganic sunscreens such as TiO₂, ZnO, SiO₂.

[0017] Advantageously, a further active agent contained in the preparation can be Kaolin according to WO96/17588, which Kaolin has been modified with spherical TiO₂ or SiO₂ particles the particle size of which is <5 im, the aforesaid spherical particles making up 0.5 to 10% by weight of the kaolin mixture. In this way, the preparation feels very soft on the skin and has an additional anti-inflammatory effect. The modified Kaolin can be contained in the range of 0.1-6% by weight relative to the total weight of the preparation.

[0018] Further cosmetic active agents include e.g. emulsifiers, scavengers, moisturizing substances, enzymes, further plant-based active agents, polymers, melanin, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory natural active agents, asymmetric lamellar aggregates loaded with oxygen according to WO94/00109 or decomposition products of yeasts, algae or other vegetable substances produced by means of a gentle ultrasonic decomposition process according to WO94/13783.

[0019] Cosmetic preparations containing the active complex according to the invention can be provided as an O/W emulsion, a W/O emulsion or a gel.

[0020] Suitable emulsifiers for O/W emulsions include e.g. addition products of 2-30 moles ethylene oxide to linear C₈-C₂₂ fatty alcohols, to C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty acids and to C₈-C₁₅ alkyl phenols; C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty acid monoesters and diesters of addition products of 1-30 moles ethylene oxide to glycerine.

[0021] Suitable emulsifiers for W/O emulsions include e.g. addition products of 2-15 moles ethylene oxide to castor oil; esters of C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty acids and glycerine, polyglycerine, pentaerythrite, sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol), polyglucosides (e.g. cellulose); polyalkylene glycols; wool wax alcohols; copolymers of polysiloxane polyalkylpolyether.

[0022] Oils and fats which are suitable for forming the oil phase of an O/W emulsion or a W/O emulsion according to the invention include e.g. mineral oils, fatty acid triglycerides, silicone oils as well as vegetable oils such as Calendula Oil, Jojaba Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Castor Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Babassu Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Thistle Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Safflower Oil or a mixture of several thereof.

[0023] In addition, esters or ethers can be used, such as e.g. Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprilate/Hexacaprate/Tridecyl Trimellitate/Tridecyl Stearate/Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate, Propylene Glycol Dioctanoate 5, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate 2,30 Dicaprate, Tridecyl Stearate/Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate/Tridecyl Trimellitate, Neopentyl Glycol Dioctanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Trimethylpropane Triisostearate, Myristyl Ether, Stearyl Ether, Butyl Ether, Dicaprylyl Ether, PPG1-PEG9 Lauroyl Glycol Ether, PPG15 Stearyl Ether, PPG14 Butyl Ether, Fomblin HC25.

[0024] Further emollients used can include compounds such as Stearyl alcohol, Glyceryl monoricinoleate, Glyceryl monostearate, Propane-1,2-diol, Butane-1,3-diol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Isobutyl Palmitate, Oleyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Laurate, Decyl Oleate, Octadecane-2-ol, Isocetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, silicone oils such as Dimethyl Polysiloxane, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyethylene Glycol, Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, vegetable oils such as Maize Oil, Cotton seed Oil, Olive Oil, mineral oils, Butyl Myristate, Palmitic Acid, etc.

[0025] The cosmetic preparation according to the invention can be used e.g. in sun creams, sun gels, after-sun products, day creams, night creams, moisturizing creams, masks, body lotions, cleansing milk, make-ups, lipsticks, mascara, care sticks, body powder, eye cosmetics, hair masks, hair conditioners, hair shampoos, hair lotions, shower gels, soaps, compact powders. The aforesaid products are manufactured in a way known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] According to the invention, the method for manufacturing a cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts comprises the steps of

[0027] a) mixing pieces of Tuberaceae with water during a period of between 1.5 and 12 hours,

[0028] b) leaving the mixture to soak for 0.5 to 12 hours,

[0029] c) separating the aqueous phase, removing its liquid components and sterilizing it,

[0030] d) dispersing the sterilized powder in an aqueous phospholipid at at least 10,000 to approx. 15,000 rpm,

[0031] e) distributing the dispersion in a cosmetically acceptable gel in a homogeneous manner and neutralizing it,

[0032] f) bringing the gel into contact with further cosmetic auxiliaries, carrier substances or active agents or mixtures thereof and formulating a cosmetic preparation.

[0033] The extract can be separated by means of filtration and at the same time decolourized, if necessary, e.g. using activated carbon.

[0034] The invention will hereinafter be explained in more detail by means of examples. All amounts are given in % by weight if not indicated otherwise.

EXAMPLES 1 TO 4

[0035] Preparation of the Active Complex

[0036] a) 1 kg Perigord truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) are cut into pieces and mixed with 5 l water at at least 1,000 rpm for 5 hours. The mixture is left to soak over night and subsequently filtered. The clear filtrate is applied onto a spray-drier and the powder obtained subsequently sterilized.

[0037] b) 10 bottles of white champagne are spray-dried. The white powder obtained is subsequently sterilized.

[0038] In order to prepare the active complex, the truffle extract and, if desired, the same amount of champagne extract is/are added into water, the mixture is combined with an aqueous phospholipid (NAT80®) and stirred at at least 10,000 rpm at room temperature to form a dispersion. Subsequently, the dispersion is brought into contact with the aqueous gel, stirred and neutralized. Glycerine and ethanol can be stirred in as additional substances in order to improve the mixture's processability. A stabilized active complex having very good storing properties is obtained. Components of the active complex Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Water, dist. ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 Carbomer 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.2 Glycerine 6.0 6.0 6.0 — Preservative 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 Triethanolamine 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Ethanol 6.0 3.0 1.0 — Tuber melanosporum Vitt. 2.0 3.8 3.5 — (dry extract) Tuber aestivum (dry extract) — — — 4.0 Champagne product (spray-dried) 2.0 5.0 1.5 — Phospholipid 8.0 8.0 8.0 5.0

EXAMPLE 1a

[0039] The same composition as in Example 1 is used, except that it contains 6% by weight of the dry extract from Tuber melanosporum Vitt. and 5% by weight of the dried champagne product.

EXAMPLE 4a

[0040] The same composition as in Example 4 is used, except that it contains 8% by weight of the dry extract from Tuber aestivum and 5% by weight of a dried champagne product is used.

EXAMPLE 5

[0041] Cream I Phase A Water ad 100 Glycerine 5.0 Crosspolymers 0.2 Phase B Cetearyl Alcohol 1.5 Isohexadecane 3.5 Octyl Stearate 3.0 Phase C Triethanolamine (TEA) 0.2 Phase D Active complex according to Example 1 2.0 Preservative 0.5 Perfume oil 0.3

[0042] Phase A and Phase B are heated separately up to 65° C. while stirring and combined with each other while stirring. The temperature is reduced to approx. 50° C. and Phase C added. Phase D is stirred in at approx. 35° C.

EXAMPLE 6

[0043] Cream II Phase A Water ad 100 Polyacrylamide 1.5 C13-14 Isoparaffin 2.0 Laureth 7 2.0 Phase B Babassu Oil 2.5 Sesame Oil 7.0 Kaolin according to WO96/17588, Ex. 1 5.0 Phase C Active complex according to Example 2 5.0 Perfume oil 0.5

[0044] Phase A and Phase B are prepared separately and then combined with each other at 40° C. while stirring. Once the mixture had been cooled down to approx. 35° C., Phase C was stirred in.

EXAMPLE 7

[0045] Sun Cream Phase A Water ad 100 Propylene Glycol 3.0 PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer 0.5 Benzophenone-3 2.5 Phase B Octyl Stearate 5.0 Isohexadecane 3.5 Dimethicone 1.0 Phase C Pongamina extract (Pongamina pinnata) 1.0 Shellac 1.0 Octyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5 Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.0 Phase D Active complex according to Example 3 8.0 Aloe vera 0.5 Preservative 0.5 Perfume oil 0.5

[0046] Phase A and Phase B are heated separately up to 65° C. and combined with each other while stirring. The temperature is reduced to approx. 60° C. and Phase C is added. Phase D is stirred in at approx. 35° C.

EXAMPLE 8

[0047] Cream III Phase A Water ad 100 Glycerine 5.5 Crosspolymer 0.2 Phase B Cetearyl Alcohol 1.8 Isohexadecane 3.2 Octyl Stearate 3.0 Phase C TEA 0.2 Phase D Active complex according to Example 4 10.0 Preservative 0.5 Perfume oil 0.3

EXAMPLE 9

[0048] A cream is prepared according to Example 5 containing an active complex according to Example la which makes up 10% of the whole composition.

EXAMPLE 10

[0049] A sun cream is prepared according to Example 7 containing an active complex according to Example 4a which makes up 12% of the whole composition. 

1. A cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts, which preparation comprises an active complex which is comprised of at least one basic material extracted as an aqueous extract from common truffles (Tuberaceae) and which is provided in a cosmetically acceptable gel while being stabilized.
 2. A preparation according to claim 1 wherein the Tuberaceae are selected from among Tuber uncinatum, Tuber melanosporum Vitt., Tuber magnatum Pico Vitt., Tuber aestivum, Choiromyces maeandriformis, Tuber brumale Vitt. and mixtures thereof.
 3. A preparation according to claim 1 wherein the active complex in addition contains a champagne product.
 4. A preparation according to claim 3 wherein the champagne product is a spray-dried champagne.
 5. Process according to claim 4 wherein the Tuberaceae extract and the champagne product are contained in the active complex in a ratio ranging from 25:75 to 75:25 relative to the agents' dry weight.
 6. A preparation according to any of claims 1 through 4 wherein the active complex provided in the gel while being stabilized is contained in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 25% by weight relative to the overall composition of the preparation, the amounts of Tuberaceae extract and, if desired, champagne product jointly making up 1 to 15% by weight of the active complex.
 7. A preparation according to claim 1 wherein the stabilizer comprises a phospholipid.
 8. A preparation according to claim 1 wherein the gel is selected from among Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof.
 9. A preparation according to any of claims 1 through 8 wherein the active complex in addition contains at least one protective agent against UV radiation.
 10. A preparation according to claim 9 wherein the said preparation is provided in the form of a cream such as day creams, night creams, sun creams; body lotions; make-up; eye cosmetics such as special eye cream, eyeshadow; hair shampoos; shower gels.
 11. Method for manufacturing a cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts, which method comprises the steps of a) mixing pieces of Tuberaceae with water during a period of between 1.5 and 12 hours, b) leaving the mixture to soak for 0.5 to 12 hours, c) separating the aqueous phase, removing its liquid components and sterilizing it, d) dispersing the sterilized powder in an aqueous phospholipid at at least 10,000 rpm, e) distributing the dispersion in a cosmetically acceptable gel in a homogeneous manner and neutralizing it, f) bringing the gel into contact with further cosmetic auxiliaries, carrier substances or active agents or mixtures thereof and formulating a cosmetic preparation.
 12. A cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts, which preparation comprises an active complex which is comprised of at least one basic material extracted as an aqueous extract from common truffles (Tuberaceae) together with a spray-dryed champagne, wherein the active complex is provided in a cosmetically acceptable gel while being stabilized.
 13. A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the Tuberaceae are selected from among Tuber uncinatum, Tuber melanosporum Vitt., Tuber magnatum Pico Vitt., Tuber aestivum, Choiromyces maeandriformis, Tuber brumale Vitt. and mixtures thereof.
 14. A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the Tuberaceae extract and the champagne product are contained in the active complex in a ratio ranging from 25:75 to 75:25 relative to the agents, dry weight.
 15. A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the active complex provided in the gel while being stabilized is contained in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 25% by weight relative to the overall composition of the preparation, the amounts of Tuberaceae extract and champagne jointly making up 1 to 15% by weight of the active complex.
 16. A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the stabilizer comprises a phospholipid. 17 A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the gel is selected from among Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof.
 18. A preparation according to claim 12 wherein the active complex in addition contains at least one protective agent against UV radiation.
 19. A preparation according to claim 18 wherein the said preparation is provided in the form of a cream such as day creams, night creams, sun creams; body lotions; make-up; eye cosmetics such as special eye cream, eyeshadow; hair shampoos; shower gels.
 20. Method for manufacturing a cosmetic preparation containing plant extracts, which method comprises the steps of a) mixing pieces of Tuberaceae with water during a period of between 1.5 and 12 hours, b) leaving the mixture to soak for 0.5 to 12 hours, c) separating the aqueous phase, removing its liquid components and sterilizing it, d) dispersing the sterilized powder and a spray-dried champagne in an aqueous phospholipid at at least 10,000 rpm, e) distributing the dispersion in a cosmetically acceptable gel in a homogeneous manner and neutralizing it, f) bringing the gel into contact with further cosmetic auxiliaries, carrier substances or active agents or mixtures thereof and formulating a cosmetic preparation. 